1990 Waltr D Koenig 2 Melanerpes formicivorus Lower Haystack H N H R (24 April) Marle remarked that here, as at Buckeye and Rana Creek when he caught the whole group (not positive at Rana Creek but likely) no power struggle has erupted, unlike various cases when we've just caught the birds of one sex. Possibly because there's none out there to advertise the vacancies?? Now! Great idea to test whether vacancies are advertised: look up and compare power struggle activity occurring after catching birds of 1 sex compared to breeders of both sexes or all birds. Do this! 635. 2 birds heard in granary.; 3rd bird just flew over. Well, maybe this isn't so certain- it's only been a hour or so since tawn. Someone's found it, at least: several wakes. 638. 3 88 let go. 25 April 815. 81520 died in the aviary. Damn! We had him sandwiched in between the breeding group and the Rana Creek birds - certainly a stressful situation. Rana Creek birds will be moved. This can't happen again. Shit. 26 April 1445. Checked the traditional hole for no reason other than I was up here: still empty. 29 April 1345. Bird in the traditional hole! But still empty! Checked the others just to be sure. 1 May 1440. Today's the day: 1 egg in traditional hole- 13 May 740. Nest is empty!! None in any other holes that I checked. Right under the tree were pieces of an eggshell, almost certainly from here, so whatever happened I don't think the egg got eaten in the nest. 25 May 1620. Still no sign of a nest here, despite lots of stored acorns. Even checked the hole, but it's still empty.